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Neil Warnock paid a heartfelt tribute to Sol Bamba after he tragically passed away at the age of 39. The former defender was a popular figure in English football having played for Leicester, Leeds United, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough. Since retiring, Bamba moved into coaching and worked with former club Cardiff as assistant manager. He then joined Turkish side Adanaspor, where he has been working as the club's head coach since the summer. Announcing the news on social media, Adanaspor wrote: "Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. "Our condolences to his family and our community. " His wife Chloe has also released a heartbreaking tribute. She said: "For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism. "Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August. "These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. "I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. "Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that. "It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. "What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him. " Bamba was an inspirational figure at Cardiff, helping the Bluebirds win promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and making more than 100 appearances for the club. His former manager at Cardiff, Neil Warnock, joined talk SPORT on Monday morning to pay tribute. He said: “It's a gift that he had. Even in the last few years where he's been going through hell He never let it down outside his house. “He never let it go and you would never think you're anything wrong with him. “He was the fittest of the fit and he always put that brave face, he will be somebody, especially at Cardiff, that will never be forgotten because he brought so much sunshine to other people’s lives. “Not just in football too, but when he went out and about he put smiles on people’s faces and put pride back into the club. ” Cardiff wrote on social media: "It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of Club legend, Sol Bamba. "As a player and coach, Sol's impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman. "Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol. " Bamba's former club Leeds also paid tribute, writing on X: "Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away. "Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts. " Middlesbrough also paid tribute, writing: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol's family and friends at this time. RIP Sol. " Having grown up in Paris, Bamba started his career with Paris Saint-Germain's youth setup before heading to Scotland where he played for Dunfermline and then Hibernian. In 2011, he joined Leicester City, where he played under the late Sven-Goran Eriksson, a man who had previously managed him with the Ivory Coast national team. Spells with Trabzonspor and Palermo followed, before the defender joined Leeds United in 2015. Bamba moved to Cardiff City in 2016 where he formed a close relationship with his manager Neil Warnock. It was during his time in Wales that Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and spent four months undergoing chemotherapy before making a triumphant return in the final match of the 2020/21 season. Bamba then joined Middlesbrough, who were managed by Warnock, for the 2021/22 season. Paris Saint-Germain - youth to 2006 (1 app) Dunfermline - 2006 - 2008 (51 apps) Hibernian - 2008 - 2010 (80 apps) Leicester - 2011 - 2012 (55 apps) Trabzonspor - 2012 - 2014 (35 apps) Palermo - 2014 (1 app) Leeds - 2014 - 2016 (56 apps) Cardiff City - 2016 - 2021 (118 apps) Middlesbrough - 2021 - 2022 (29 apps) He made 28 appearances and scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford before retiring as a player that summer and moving into coaching. talk SPORT. com sat down with Bamba to reflect on his iconic career in 2023 - and he spoke of the winning penalty with all the personality that made him such a beloved figure in the game. The former defender said: "People said that I was cool, laughing and stuff like this but having gone through what I did the year before, I was just happy to be there. “Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want to miss it but even if I did, it wasn’t the end of the world. “I’ve been through difficult times so I just wanted to be there and enjoy it and luckily it went in. “After that it was just pure joy. That’s why you play football for moments like that – knocking out Man United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. “The party after that – they partied for two days, but I didn’t get involved in that, I just went home with the missus! “But it was great and that’s what football is about. ” Tributes also flooded in from his ex-teammates on social media following the news. Ex-Cardiff defender and manager Mark Hudson said: "Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were. "We have shared stories and I loved our chats however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you. " Cyrus Christie said: "This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career. "Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. " Junior Hoilett also said: "RIP Big Bro Love Always. " This service is provided on talk SPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.